History

HISTORY

STAIR

Our School History

Scoil Réalt na Mara was founded in September 1978. Skerries expanded rapidly during the 70’s and this new co-educational primary school was expected to cater for an expanding town with a growing population. Máire Ní Ghógáin was appointed Principal and the school began with 35 Junior Infants.

The school was initially located in what we now call “The Little Theatre” and five years later a new building off the Balbriggan Road was completed to house a population of 371 students, 9 teachers and an Administrative Principal. This new building was officially opened by John Boland T.D. and blessed by Dr. Dermot O’Mahony on October 20th 1983.

An interest in the Irish language and culture was evident from the beginning and these became central to the ethos of the school which continues to this day. Máire Ní Odhráin took over the Principalship in 1994 and continues to serve as Principal. Bernie Ní Chionnaith was appointed Deputy Principal in 1979 and retired in 2014. Joe Ó Fearraigh was appointed Deputy Principal in 2015. The first Learning Support teacher was appointed in 1986 and now the school has the services of 6 Special Education teachers.

The importance of parents as “Partners in Education” was recognized from the outset and parents have been involved in every aspect of the school’s development by Parents’ Council, Board of Management, First Communion Breakfasts and Rang 6 Graduations to name but a few.

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FOUNDED

“Scoil Réalt na Mara was founded in 1978”

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FIRST PRINCIPAL

“Máire Ní Ghogáin was the first principal of Scoil Réalt na Mara”

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OFFICIAL OPENING

“The school was officially opened on 20th October 1983”

By September 1985 the school contained the full range of classes and there were 17 teachers on the staff. Besides teaching the curriculum teachers were also very involved in preparing children for sporting and cultural events. Through the years much help has been given to pupils and teachers by our ancillary staff. This extra help has also contributed to Réalt na Mara winning Fingal Co. Co. awards for best kept school grounds on more than one occasion. Much combined effort from all concerned has resulted in the school having 5 green flags.

Currently, the school has 446 pupils on the registers, one Principal, 23 teachers and two Special Needs Assistants. A new 3 room Special Education extension was opened in 2013. We have families from many countries and our school reflects the changes that have occurred in Irish society over the years. The Irish language and culture continues to be central to the ethos of the school. Today we are involved in preparing children for Gaelic Football leagues, rugby, cricket, hockey, chess, athletics, choral work, Christmas concerts and carol services.

Réalt na Mara has an archive of photographs dating back to the earliest days and they reflect the diversity of events engaged in by the pupils, teachers and oftentimes parents. Our earliest video is one of the Official opening of the new building in ’83 and the videos of Christmas concerts years ago are always worth browsing through.

Our Motto ‘Ní Neart go Cur le Chéile’ Unity is Strength. May the spirit of co-operation between pupils, parents and teachers that has been the hallmark of Réalt na Mara from the beginning continue long into the future.